Clairette
Clairette, a lightly coloured grape variety, once widespread in southern France, has found refuge in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc. Clairette excels in crafting fresh sparkling wines and light still wines.
Notably, Clairette de Die in the central Rhône Valley near Montelimar is a stronghold, with some wines mandated to be 100% Clairette. Others labeled Methode Ancestrale require 75% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. In Clairette du Languedoc and Clairette de Bellegarde, still wines emerge, with the latter producing rare dry wines and sweet styles. Clairette also plays a minor role in blending in various Languedoc and Rhône appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The name “Clairette,” meaning “light one” in French, adds an intriguing layer to the complexities of grape identification and nomenclature, sharing this somewhat generic name with other varieties like Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc.
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Domaine Mas de la Dame, Coin Caché 2021, Aoc Baux De Provence, white
Clairette, a lightly coloured grape variety, once widespread in southern France, has found refuge in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc. Clairette excels in crafting fresh sparkling wines and light still wines.
Notably, Clairette de Die in the central Rhône Valley near Montelimar is a stronghold, with some wines mandated to be 100% Clairette. Others labeled Methode Ancestrale require 75% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. In Clairette du Languedoc and Clairette de Bellegarde, still wines emerge, with the latter producing rare dry wines and sweet styles. Clairette also plays a minor role in blending in various Languedoc and Rhône appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The name “Clairette,” meaning “light one” in French, adds an intriguing layer to the complexities of grape identification and nomenclature, sharing this somewhat generic name with other varieties like Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc.